A major milestone in the vast Wirral Waters project has been reached as the area's first convenience store has opened. The new Sainsbury's Local, located beside the 500-home Millers Quay development, is now open to shoppers.
Location and opening hours
The shop, on the corner of Duke Street and Dock Road, is expected to provide a much-needed service for the growing number of people living in the regenerated Wirral Waters area. The project, delivered by Peel Waters, aims to transform 500 acres of former docklands into a thriving mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood. Construction of the shop began less than five months ago in February. The store is open daily from 7am to 11pm and offers a full range of groceries, fresh produce, food-to-go, bakery items and frozen food, alongside a Click & Collect service for Argos, Habitat, and Tu Clothing.
Developer and council comments
David Pilbeam, Sainsbury's director of acquisitions, capital projects and engineering, said: "We're delighted to open our new Sainsbury's Local at Wirral Waters. The area is developing into a thriving new neighbourhood and we're proud to be part of that journey by bringing greater convenience, choice and value to residents, workers and visitors. We are also excited to be the first convenience store to open in the development and I’d like to thank Peel Waters for the opportunity to bring our newest Sainsbury’s Local to Wirral Waters, creating jobs and investing in the local economy in the process."
Richard Mawdsley, Wirral Waters director of development at Peel Waters, said: "The opening of Sainsbury's Local is another significant milestone in the continued evolution of Wirral Waters and demonstrates the growing confidence in the place we are creating. As the first convenience retailer to open at Wirral Waters, it provides an important amenity for the thousands of people now living and working here and reflects the transition from vision to reality that we are seeing across the development. Peel Waters has worked closely with Sainsbury's to bring forward a purpose-built store that complements the award-winning design of neighbouring Millers Quay while also creating jobs, supporting skills development and enhancing everyday life for our growing community. The fact that construction began in February and has been completed in less than five months highlights the pace at which development is now being delivered across Wirral Waters. It's another tangible example of the momentum we are building as we continue to attract investment, businesses and new residents to the area."
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett, said: “The opening of Sainsbury's Local is a welcome addition for the growing community at Millers Quay and across Wirral Waters. Having access to everyday essentials within walking distance of home is an important part of creating a neighbourhood where people can enjoy living, working and spending time. It's great to see another piece of the plan coming to life. Facilities like this help foster a real sense of community, while the investment and jobs the store brings are further signs of the confidence and momentum we are seeing across Wirral Waters. This is regeneration delivering practical benefits for local people."
